RPT-US to propose labeling greenhouse gases from cars

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WASHINGTON Aug 30 (Reuters) - The United States will propose on Monday new labels for passenger vehicles detailing for the first time their greenhouse gas emissions, while also changing measurements of fuel economy.

The labeling proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation would allow consumers to compare cars in terms of emissions blamed for warming the planet and to see how far they could drive on new technologies and traditional gasoline engines.

"New fuel economy labels will keep pace with the new generation of fuel efficient cars and trucks rolling off the line, and provide simple, straightforward updates to inform consumers about their choices in a rapidly changing market," EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said in a release.

The labels would include comparisons across all types of vehicles including electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid cars.

The EPA and the DOT will propose two label designs for comment.

One label design features a letter grade to communicate the vehicle's overall fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions performance. The new design will also provide consumers with an estimate of the expected fuel cost savings over five years compared to an average gasoline-powered vehicle of the same model year, the EPA said.

In April, the EPA finalized first national limits on greenhouse gas pollution from cars and light trucks and the Department of Transportation strengthened fuel economy standards for model year 2012 to 2016 passenger vehicles.

The efficiency rules required that cars and light trucks get on average 35.5 miles per gallon (15 kilometers per liter) by 2016, up 42 percent from current rules.

U.S. passenger vehicles discharge about 20 percent of the country's heat-trapping gases and consume about 44 percent of its oil.

One environmentalist said the new labels would help consumers decide, which cars are right for them.

"Truth in labeling empowers Americans to make informed real world choices that save our families money, reduce our dependence on oil, and cut heat-trapping greenhouse gases," said Vickie Patton, the general counsel for the Environmental Defense Fund.

The EPA and DOT are providing a 60-day public comment period after they publish the proposal in the Federal Register. (Reporting by Timothy Gardner; Editing by Marguerita Choy)